Associated gas starts to count

Overview

The amount of associated gas flared in Russia in 2007 probably neared 5 per cent of the country’s total natural gas output. This number captures the high stakes for the Russian economy – from the ability to satisfy gas export demand to the scarcity of fuel for domestic generation companies – spurring the government to initiate serious action to boost associated gas utilisation. That, in turn, creates a marginal driver for oil company earnings.

The proposed new flaring fine, had it...